The best cocktails are always the classics in my humble opinion, whether it be a Mojito, a kicky drink like a Moscow Mule…or this perfect Martini. On the other hand, sometimes it can be fun to experiment, and if you’re looking for something sweet, a Strawberry Margarita or fun Lemon Drop Martini is always a hit!
What’s in a Martini?
Just a few easy to find ingredients are all that’s needed. You can make your martini dirty, have a vesper with lemon rind James Bond style, or go for gin instead of vodka. Just don’t forget the olives, plain or martini olives. There are all types of martinis, just make sure to serve it in a martini glass, and you’re good to go!
Vodka (or gin) choose a good liquor since it’s the star of the show. Dry Vermouth, you can use sweet vermouth, but in my opinion, there is nothing that compares with a very dry martini! Olives with pimentos Ice is self-explanatory. Nobody wants a warm martini.
Garnishes Or you can change it up and add other garnishes. Try a martini bar and set out several dishes with different garnishes to choose from.
Classic pimento stuffed olives Blue cheese stuffed olives Pickled onions Citrus rind (orange/lemon) Cranberries with sweet vermouth and a sprig of juniper (make sure it’s the edible kind, or you could get sick!) would be nice for a Christmas Martini!
You may get in a debate with Martini purists about whether or not this cocktail is still a martini without olives, though! But we’d say you’re good with whatever version you prefer.
The Best Gin for a Martini
If you’re making cocktails using gin instead of vodka, there are a few choices out there that can help you achieve Martini perfection!
Tanqueray for a familiar taste experience that’s all about old school comfort! Tanqueray is also great for making dirty martinis. Four Peel Gin for a bright and citrusy drink that’s perfect for the holidays. Nikka Coffey Gin for a Japanese style drink that has a smooth, sweet, and tangy finish!
Shaken vs Stirred – What’s The Difference?
Most bartenders shake drinks that contain dairy, egg whites, juices, etc., in order to create a pleasing frothy top to a cocktail. Martini connoisseurs’ debate about the benefits of shaking versus stirring martinis, but we are making our cocktail James Bond style. Shaking the liquor with ice blunts any sweetness and creates an extremely icy, somewhat cloudy, and very dry martini, which is exactly what we are aiming for!
What is a Dirty Martini?
A dirty martini might sound like something you’d want to avoid. But if you are one of those people who drink martinis just to get to the liquor-soaked olives at the bottom of the glass, you may want to consider the benefits of a dirty martini. Simply put, a dirty martini has a teaspoon of brine from the jar of olives mixed right into the drink! It’s different and delicious. Now you know how to make a perfect dry martini. It’s a sophisticated cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion! Just follow the steps in the recipe below to achieve martini perfection!
More Classic Cocktails
Moscow Mule – spicy, fizzy, icy cocktail! Spiked Eggnog Latte – delicious twist on a classic! Classic Mojito – my go-to cocktail Irish Coffee – ready in 5 mins Easy White Sangria – crisp light flavor! Paloma Cocktail Recipe – sweet, salty, and refreshing!
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